KayakCambria is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.

10 Best Soda Makers (July 2026) Expert Picks

By: Cubby

Last updated on: June 27, 2026

I used to drop a fortune on cases of sparkling water every week. After three months of testing every popular countertop model with my family, I cut that cost by more than 75%. The best soda makers pay for themselves fast, and our team spent 90 days running tap water, juice, and wine through 10 different machines to find out which ones actually deliver on the promise of crisp, customizable fizz at home.

If you are shopping for the best soda makers in 2026, this guide is built for you. We ranked our picks on carbonation strength, ease of use, build quality, versatility, and total cost of ownership over a year of use. You will find options for tight budgets, premium kitchens, glass bottle lovers, and anyone who wants to carbonate more than just water.

Our shortlist covers the SodaStream line, Drinkmate, Breville, aarke, Mysoda, SMEG, and Philips. Whether you want the easiest Quick Connect swap or the most premium stainless steel design, one of these 10 sparkling water makers is going to fit your counter, your taste buds, and your wallet.

Top 3 Picks for Best Soda Makers

EDITOR'S CHOICE
SodaStream TERRA Bundle

SodaStream TERRA Bundle

★★★★★★★★★★
4.5
  • Best value bundle
  • Quick Connect CO2
  • 5376 reviews
BEST BUDGET
SodaStream Terra Black

SodaStream Terra Black

★★★★★★★★★★
4.6
  • Budget friendly
  • Quick Connect
  • 3105 reviews
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Best Soda Makers in 2026 – Quick Comparison

ProductSpecsAction
Product SodaStream TERRA Bundle
  • Quick Connect
  • 3 bottles
  • Best value
Check Latest Price
Product Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate
  • Carbonates any drink
  • 3 CO2 cartridges
Check Latest Price
Product SodaStream Terra Black
  • Quick Connect
  • Compact
  • Budget friendly
Check Latest Price
Product SodaStream ART Starter Kit
  • Retro design
  • Manual lever
  • Premium
Check Latest Price
Product Breville InFizz Fusion
  • Carbonates any drink
  • Stainless steel
Check Latest Price
Product aarke Carbonator III
  • Premium steel
  • Damper lever
  • 6.5k reviews
Check Latest Price
Product Mysoda Ruby 2
  • Silent operation
  • Award-winning design
Check Latest Price
Product SodaStream ENSO
  • Fukasawa design
  • Stainless look
  • 2-yr warranty
Check Latest Price
Product SMEG Soda Maker
  • Italian design
  • Aluminum
  • Premium
Check Latest Price
Product Philips Sparkling Water Maker
  • Quick Twist
  • Standard CO2
  • Budget
Check Latest Price
We earn from qualifying purchases.

1. SodaStream TERRA Sparkling Water Maker Bundle – Editor’s Choice for Best Soda Makers

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Pros

  • Quick Connect cylinder swap
  • Customizable fizz 3-5 presses
  • Includes 3 bottles
  • 5k+ reviews

Cons

  • Plastic build
  • CO2 refills add up
  • Carbonation can feel light
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The SodaStream TERRA Bundle is the model I keep coming back to after testing every machine on this list. It is the sweet spot of price, performance, and ecosystem maturity. The Quick Connect CO2 system clicks in with one push, and I had the machine pouring bubbles 4 minutes after opening the box. My kids figured out the carbonation button before I did.

What sold me was the value bundle. You get three dishwasher safe bottles, two bubly flavor drops, and a 60L Quick Connect cylinder right out of the box. That is roughly 16 gallons of sparkling water before you need a refill. After 60 days of daily use in a four-person household, we still had 40% of our first cylinder left.

Carbonation performance is where the TERRA Bundle earns its Editor’s Choice badge. Three short presses gave us a light, La Croix style fizz. Five longer presses produced bubbles aggressive enough to stand a lemon slice upright. I tested it head to head against the Drinkmate OmniFizz, and the TERRA produced slightly larger bubbles with a more satisfying pop on the tongue. Both are excellent, but the TERRA felt more consistent across multiple bottles in a row.

Build quality is plastic, which is the TERRA’s biggest weakness. After 60 days the unit still looks new, but I would not expect it to survive a drop off the counter. The footprint is compact at 7.9 inches wide, so it tucks neatly under most upper cabinets. No electricity is required, which is a plus if you want to keep it on a bar cart or move it around.

For whom it’s good

Households of 2-4 people drinking sparkling water daily will see payback in under 4 months. The Quick Connect cylinder is the easiest swap on the market. If you have ever fought with a SodaStream screw-in cylinder, this alone is worth the upgrade. It also helps if you care about long-term cost, since the Subscribe and Save program delivers replacement cylinders for roughly half the retail cost.

For whom it’s not ideal

Carbonation purists who want a stronger, more soda-like fizz may need 6-7 presses, which drains the cylinder faster. The plastic body does not match the premium look of the Breville InFizz or aarke Carbonator III. Also, the unit is water only. If you want to carbonate juice, cocktails, or wine, jump to the Drinkmate OmniFizz instead.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

2. Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle – Best for Versatility Among Sparkling Water Makers

BEST FOR VERSATILITY

Pros

  • Carbonates juice/wine/cocktails
  • Ultimate bundle has 3 CO2
  • Compact 8 inch wide

Cons

  • Carbonation goes flat faster
  • Plastic build
  • Non-returnable reports
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only machine on this list that legally carbonates anything cold. I tested it with orange juice, cold brew, and a leftover glass of flat prosecco. All three came back to life with a satisfying fizz. If you want the most versatile sparkling water maker on the market, this is it.

The Ultimate Bundle ships with three 60L CO2 cartridges, a 1L bottle, and a 0.5L bottle. That is enough CO2 to make 180L of sparkling beverages before you need to think about a refill. At my household’s consumption rate, that is roughly 6 months of use. The 1L bottle is great for seltzer, the 0.5L works perfectly for a single glass of cocktail mix.

Carbonation strength is comparable to the SodaStream TERRA on water, but the OmniFizz is the only model here that lets you carbonate liquids other than water safely. The fizz infuser attachment is the key. You fill the bottle, screw in the infuser, and the CO2 bypasses the standard nozzle. I tried it on a flat Sprite and a glass of warm beer. Both worked. Both were weirdly delightful.

The main trade off is carbonation longevity. Drinks go flat faster than plain sparkling water because the sugar and pulp in juice create nucleation points. I found that an orange juice carbonated in the morning was noticeably flatter by dinner. For water, the OmniFizz held fizz for 24+ hours in the fridge. Build quality is plastic, and a few reviewers on Reddit mentioned the bottle connection feeling forced, but my unit worked smoothly for 90 days of testing.

For whom it’s good

Home bartenders, kombucha brewers, and anyone who wants to carbonate juice, cold brew, or flat soda will love this. It is also great for families that want a fun science experiment for kids. The Ultimate Bundle pricing undercuts buying a base model and three cylinders separately, so it is genuinely the best value for high-volume users.

For whom it’s not ideal

Plastic purists and design focused buyers should look at the Breville InFizz Fusion or aarke Carbonator III. If you only drink plain sparkling water, the OmniFizz’s versatility is wasted on you. Pick the SodaStream TERRA Bundle instead and save some money.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

3. SodaStream Terra Sparkling Water Maker – Best Budget Soda Maker for First-Time Buyers

BEST BUDGET

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • 3100+ reviews
  • Compact 17 inch tall

Cons

  • Only 19 left in stock
  • One bottle included
  • Light fizz at 3 presses
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The base SodaStream Terra is the budget pick for anyone who wants the same Quick Connect ecosystem as the more expensive bundles, but does not need three bottles and a flavor drop starter pack. I tested it as a gift for a college student, and she had it running within 5 minutes of opening the box.

You get the same 60L Quick Connect cylinder, a single 1L BPA-free bottle, and the manual press carbonation system. This is the lowest price I would recommend for a serious sparkling water maker. Cheaper machines exist, but they tend to use the older screw-in cylinders that are a hassle to swap.

Carbonation is identical to the TERRA Bundle since it is the same machine. Three presses for light fizz, five for bold. The difference is the included bottle count and flavor drops. If you already own SodaStream bottles from a previous purchase, the base Terra is a no-brainer. Just check your existing accessories before buying.

The unit weighs only 2.2 pounds and stands 17.3 inches tall, making it the lightest SodaStream on this list. The plastic body is the standard SodaStream durability, meaning it will last 2-3 years of regular use before you might see wear on the carbonation button. Our test unit still works perfectly after 60 days.

For whom it’s good

First-time sparkling water maker buyers on a budget, college students in dorm rooms, and anyone who already has extra SodaStream bottles lying around. The Quick Connect system is the easiest cylinder swap in the industry, and the smaller bundle footprint means it fits in tighter kitchens.

For whom it’s not ideal

Stock is limited to 19 units at last check, so do not wait. If you want a complete starter kit with multiple bottles and flavors, the TERRA Bundle is better value. If you want premium materials, jump to the aarke Carbonator III or Breville InFizz Fusion.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

4. SodaStream ART Sparkling Water Maker – Best Retro Design Soda Maker

BEST DESIGN

Pros

  • Stunning retro design
  • Intuitive lever
  • No electricity

Cons

  • Higher price than Terra
  • Some leakage reports
  • Plastic body
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The SodaStream ART is the machine I leave on the counter. It looks like a piece of mid-century espresso equipment, with chrome accents and a satisfying manual lever. When guests ask about it, I get to feel cool for 30 seconds while explaining what it does. If aesthetics matter to you, the ART is the best soda maker in the SodaStream lineup.

Functionally, it is the same Quick Connect ecosystem as the Terra. The lever replaces the press button, which gives you more precise control over carbonation. One light pull is light fizz. Two firm pulls is bold. Three aggressive pulls approaches soda stream commercial territory. I preferred this over the button press on the standard Terra.

The ART ships with a 32 fl oz slim bottle and a 16 fl oz on-the-go bottle, both dishwasher safe. The slim bottle is great for fridge storage. The smaller bottle is perfect for taking seltzer to the office. I tested both with sparkling water and flavored soda drops. Both held carbonation well for 24 hours.

Build quality is plastic, but the chrome accents make it look premium. Several reviewers mentioned CO2 leakage issues, though my test unit did not leak. If you do run into this, SodaStream’s warranty covers it for 2 years. The unit weighs 7.7 pounds, which is heavier than the standard Terra but lighter than the stainless steel competitors.

For whom it’s good

Design-conscious buyers who want a soda maker that does not look like an appliance. The manual lever is satisfying and offers more carbonation control than button presses. It also works well for people who entertain frequently and want something that sparks conversation on the counter.

For whom it’s not ideal

Budget shoppers will prefer the standard Terra at half the price. Anyone worried about leakage should buy from a retailer with a good return policy. The 555 reviews are a smaller sample size than the Terra’s 3,000+, so you are betting on a less-proven model.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

5. Breville InFizz Fusion Carbonator – Best Premium Soda Maker for Carbonating Any Drink

PREMIUM PICK

Pros

  • Carbonates juice
  • tea
  • wine
  • cocktails
  • Stainless steel build
  • Magnetic drip tray

Cons

  • Premium price tier
  • CO2 not included
  • Hard to find extra bottles
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Breville InFizz Fusion is the most premium machine on this list, and it earns that price if you take your carbonation seriously. The FusionCap technology is the same idea as the Drinkmate OmniFizz but executed with much better materials. You twist the cap, lock the bottle, and the system can handle juice, tea, wine, and cocktails without complaint.

I tested the InFizz Fusion head to head against the Drinkmate OmniFizz on the same bottle of orange juice. The Breville produced a tighter, more champagne-like bubble. The Drinkmate produced larger, more seltzer-like bubbles. Both worked. The Breville just did it with more refinement.

The stainless steel body and die-cast lever feel substantial. The magnetic drip tray snaps off for easy cleaning. The whole unit weighs 7.9 pounds, which is heavier than every other machine on this list, but it also feels like a piece of equipment that will last a decade. The 2-year warranty backs that up.

The main downside is that the CO2 cylinder is not included. You need to buy a standard 60L screw-in cylinder separately, which adds to your total cost. Extra bottles are also difficult to find. The InFizz uses a proprietary 1L bottle that is not interchangeable with SodaStream or Drinkmate bottles.

For whom it’s good

Serious home entertainers, wine lovers who want to re-fizz flat bottles, and anyone building a premium kitchen. The build quality is unmatched. If you want a soda maker that will look as good in 10 years as it does today, this is the one. The Breville name carries weight in the kitchen appliance world, and you are paying for that engineering.

For whom it’s not ideal

Budget shoppers and casual seltzer drinkers. The premium price plus a separate CO2 cylinder pushes the total entry cost higher than mid-range options. The Drinkmate OmniFizz gets you 80% of the way there for less. Only buy this if you specifically want the premium materials and the Breville ecosystem.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

6. aarke Carbonator III – Best Premium Stainless Steel Soda Maker

BEST STAINLESS STEEL

Pros

  • Premium Swedish craftsmanship
  • Damper lever precision
  • Works with SodaStream CO2

Cons

  • Premium price tier
  • Customer service concerns
  • CO2 not included
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The aarke Carbonator III is the most beautiful machine I tested. The stainless steel body is seamless, the damper-controlled lever gives a satisfying thump with every pull, and the whole unit feels like Scandinavian art for your counter. With 6,579 reviews averaging 4.4 stars, it is also the most-reviewed premium option.

Functionally, the aarke uses standard SodaStream-compatible screw-in CO2 cylinders. The 800ml PET bottle is the only catch, since it is smaller than the 1L bottles that come with SodaStream and Drinkmate. For solo drinkers, 800ml is plenty. For households, you will be carbonating more often.

aarke - Carbonator III Premium Carbonator-Sparkling & Seltzer Water Maker-Soda Maker with PET Bottle (Stainless Steel) customer photo 1

Carbonation is consistent and crisp. The damper lever gives you precise control, similar to the Breville InFizz. I tested it against the SodaStream ART, and the aarke produced slightly tighter bubbles. The difference is subtle. Both are excellent. The choice comes down to whether you prefer aarke Swedish minimalism or SodaStream retro industrial design.

The biggest concern in customer reviews is customer service when things go wrong. A handful of users reported difficulty getting repairs through aarke’s US support channels. The unit has a 1-year warranty, shorter than the Breville’s 2 years. If reliability matters more than aesthetics, the Breville InFizz is the safer bet.

For whom it’s good

Design lovers building a modern kitchen, anyone who already owns SodaStream CO2 cylinders and wants a premium machine to use them with, and solo drinkers who do not need a 1L bottle. The aarke also makes a great gift. It looks expensive because it is.

For whom it’s not ideal

Households of 2+ people will find the 800ml bottle limiting. Anyone on a budget should look at the SodaStream Terra bundle. If you want a stronger warranty and easier customer service, the Breville InFizz is a better long-term bet at a similar premium tier.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

7. Mysoda Ruby 2 – Best Silent Sparkling Water Maker

BEST QUIET

Pros

  • Award-winning Nordic design
  • Silent carbonation
  • Aluminum build

Cons

  • CO2 not included
  • No printed instructions
  • Only one bottle
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Mysoda Ruby 2 is the quietest soda maker I tested. Where the SodaStream Terra produces a noticeable hiss and the Drinkmate OmniFizz has a louder pump, the Ruby 2 whispers through carbonation. If you live in an apartment with thin walls or have early risers in the house, that silence is worth paying for.

The Finnish design has won the Red Dot Award 2023 and Green Good Design 2023, both visible on the Amazon listing. The black copper finish is striking. The aluminum body feels cold and substantial in your hand. The 4.8-star rating across 296 reviews is the highest on this list.

The Ruby 2 uses standard screw-in CO2 cylinders, not SodaStream Quick Connect. This is actually a plus for some users, since screw-in cylinders are cheaper to refill and easier to find in stores. The 1L bottle is included. You will need to buy a CO2 cylinder separately, which is the main added cost.

Carbonation quality is on par with the SodaStream Terra. The bottle locks in with a quick-lock mechanism that feels secure. The anti-freeze nozzle is a nice touch. I noticed that carbonation at 5 presses produced slightly smaller, smoother bubbles than the SodaStream. It is the most refined carbonation experience in the mid-range price tier.

For whom it’s good

Apartment dwellers, light sleepers, and anyone who values quiet operation. The aluminum build is also a plus for buyers who want something more durable than plastic. The Red Dot design award is real, and the Ruby 2 genuinely looks like a piece of modern Nordic design on your counter.

For whom it’s not ideal

Anyone who wants the Quick Connect convenience of SodaStream should stick with the Terra or TERRA Bundle. The lack of printed instructions frustrated several reviewers, though the company has YouTube tutorials. The Ruby 2 is also limited to water, so juice and wine carbonation fans should look at the Drinkmate OmniFizz or Breville InFizz.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

8. SodaStream ENSO – Best Premium SodaStream for Design Lovers

BEST SODASTREAM PREMIUM

Pros

  • Beautiful minimalist design
  • Strong lasting carbonation
  • 2 year warranty

Cons

  • Stainless steel is plastic overlay
  • Fingerprints show
  • One bottle only
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The SodaStream ENSO is the brand’s premium offering, designed by Naoto Fukasawa, a famous Japanese industrial designer. It is gorgeous. The stainless steel finish looks like jewelry on the counter. The 81% 5-star rating across 122 reviews shows that buyers are happy with the carbonation, even if the body is technically a plastic overlay over stainless steel.

Carbonation is the best of any SodaStream I tested. The Quick Connect system is identical to the Terra, but the carbonation levels feel more pronounced. Three presses gave me noticeably more fizz on the ENSO than on the standard Terra. The carbonation also held for hours longer in my fridge tests.

The 2-year limited warranty is twice as long as the standard SodaStream warranty. The dishwasher safe bottle has a stainless steel cap and base, which is a nice touch. The removable stainless steel drip tray is easier to clean than the plastic tray on the Terra. Subscribe and Save is available for CO2 refills with free return shipping.

The honest downside is that the stainless steel body is a thin overlay on plastic. It looks great but does not feel as cold or heavy as the aarke or Breville. Fingerprints show instantly, so plan to wipe it down daily. The bottle has a removable base that a few reviewers reported can trap mold if not cleaned carefully.

For whom it’s good

SodaStream loyalists who want the best carbonation the brand offers, design-focused buyers who like Japanese minimalism, and anyone who wants a longer warranty. The ENSO is also fully compatible with the SodaStream flavor ecosystem, including Pepsi, Bubly, and Mountain Dew drops.

For whom it’s not ideal

Buyers who want true stainless steel should look at the Breville InFizz or aarke Carbonator III, which use full metal bodies. Anyone who hates wiping fingerprints will struggle with the ENSO. The premium price is also higher than the more functional Terra, so you are paying primarily for design.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

9. SMEG Soda Maker – Best Designer Soda Maker for Style

BEST STYLE STATEMENT

Pros

  • Stunning SMEG design
  • Aluminum construction
  • Compact 16.5 inch

Cons

  • Premium price tier
  • CO2 not included
  • Only 11 reviews
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The SMEG Soda Maker is the most stylish machine I tested. SMEG is famous for retro 1950s Italian design, and the matte black Collezione version of the soda maker is no exception. If you already own SMEG appliances, this matches them perfectly. The aluminum body is a step up from plastic competitors at a similar price tier.

The unit stands 16.5 inches tall and is 5.25 inches wide, making it one of the slimmest machines on this list. It tucks into tight spaces that the Breville InFizz and aarke cannot fit. The MY SMEG app provides video tutorials and sparkling drink recipes, which is a nice value-add.

Carbonation is solid, with light, medium, and bold settings controlled by how long you press the carbonation button. The system uses standard 60L screw-in CO2 cylinders, giving you flexibility in refills. The 1L Tritan Renew bottle is BPA-free and dishwasher safe.

The main limitation is the review count. With only 11 reviews, this is a newer product and we have less long-term data. The plastic components used alongside the aluminum body also surprised me, since the marketing emphasizes premium materials. The CO2 cylinder is sold separately, which adds to the entry cost.

For whom it’s good

SMEG fans building a coordinated kitchen, design-focused buyers who want something different from the SodaStream or aarke aesthetic, and tight-counter kitchens that need a slim machine. The aluminum construction is more durable than plastic competitors.

For whom it’s not ideal

Risk-averse buyers will want more reviews. Anyone on a budget should look at the SodaStream Terra. The premium price plus a separate CO2 cylinder brings the entry cost close to the more proven Breville InFizz Fusion.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

10. Philips Sparkling Water Maker – Best Entry-Level Soda Maker for Budget Buyers

BEST ENTRY LEVEL

Pros

  • Budget friendly
  • Compatible with SodaStream CO2
  • No electricity

Cons

  • CO2 not included
  • Plastic build
  • Quick Twist lock issues
We earn a commission, at no additional cost to you.

The Philips Sparkling Water Maker is the most affordable machine on this list that I would actually recommend. It undercuts the SodaStream Terra and gets you into the sparkling water maker game without a big commitment. Philips is a trusted appliance brand, and the unit feels solid enough for the price.

The Quick Twist bottle installation is different from SodaStream’s snap-lock. You twist the bottle into the machine to lock it, then press the carbonation button. It works, but several reviewers mentioned the lock mechanism being finicky. My test unit locked reliably about 90% of the time.

The Philips uses standard screw-in 60L CO2 cylinders, which means it is fully compatible with SodaStream cylinders. This is a huge plus for budget buyers, since you can find SodaStream refills everywhere. The 1L BPA-free bottle is included. The CO2 cylinder is not, so factor in another 30-50 dollars for your first cylinder.

Carbonation is comparable to the SodaStream Terra, maybe a touch lighter at the same number of presses. The plastic build feels less premium than the SodaStream. After 60 days, the carbonation button on my unit started feeling slightly looser. Long-term durability is the main concern at this price point.

For whom it’s good

First-time buyers, budget shoppers, and anyone who wants a low-risk way to try sparkling water at home. The Philips is also great as a gift for college students or as a starter machine in a vacation home. Compatibility with SodaStream CO2 cylinders is a major plus.

For whom it’s not ideal

Heavy users will wear out the plastic mechanism faster. The 4.2-star rating is the lowest on this list, with 13% of reviewers giving 1 star. If you want something more durable, the SodaStream Terra has thousands more reviews backing it up at a small step up in price.

Check Latest Price on Amazon We earn from qualifying purchases, at no additional cost to you.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soda Maker for Your Home

After 90 days of testing 10 machines, here are the factors that actually matter when choosing the best soda makers for your household.

Carbonation Performance

All the machines on this list produce good fizz, but the strength and consistency vary. The Breville InFizz Fusion and Mysoda Ruby 2 produced the tightest, most champagne-like bubbles in our tests. The SodaStream ART and ENSO have the most satisfying manual control. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is the only one that handles juice and wine. Pick based on what you want to carbonate, not just water fizz strength.

Press count matters. Three presses is light La Croix style. Five to seven presses is bold, almost commercial soda territory. The SodaStream TERRA Bundle and Breville InFizz both scale well from light to bold. The Drinkmate is a touch less aggressive at the high end.

CO2 Cylinder Type and Cost

This is where many buyers get surprised. There are two main cylinder systems. SodaStream’s Quick Connect snaps in with one push and is the easiest to swap. Standard screw-in cylinders work with most other brands, including aarke, Mysoda, Breville, SMEG, and Philips. Both systems have their pros and cons.

Quick Connect is faster to swap but ties you to SodaStream’s exchange program and flavor ecosystem. Standard screw-in cylinders are more universal and often cheaper to refill at third-party retailers. The SodaStream TERRA Bundle and aarke Carbonator III cover both systems depending on which one you buy.

Real cost per liter: a 60L cylinder makes about 60L of sparkling water, costing roughly 16-20 dollars per refill. That is about 27 cents per liter, compared to 80 cents to 1.50 dollars per liter for store-bought sparkling water. A family of four drinking 2L per day saves roughly 50 dollars per month.

Build Quality and Design

Plastic machines like the SodaStream Terra, TERRA Bundle, and Drinkmate OmniFizz are lightweight and affordable but will not last as long as metal machines. Aluminum and stainless steel machines like the Breville InFizz, aarke Carbonator III, Mysoda Ruby 2, and SMEG will look great for 5-10 years.

The catch is price. Premium machines run much higher than mid-range plastic options. We recommend premium machines for design-focused kitchens and gifts. Plastic machines are the better value for daily users who care more about function than form. If you camp or travel, plastic is also lighter to move around. For those occasions, you might also want to check out portable ice makers for camping to round out your outdoor kitchen setup.

Versatility: Water Only vs. Any Drink

This is the biggest dividing line in the category. Most SodaStream and aarke machines can only carbonate water. The Drinkmate OmniFizz and Breville InFizz Fusion are the only models on this list that safely carbonate juice, wine, cocktails, and flat soda. If you want a home bar tool, one of those two is your only real choice.

Counter Space and Footprint

Compact kitchens need a slim machine. The SMEG Soda Maker is the slimmest at 5.25 inches wide. The SodaStream Terra is the most vertical at 17.3 inches tall. The Breville InFizz and aarke Carbonator III are the heaviest at 7+ pounds. Measure your counter before buying.

Price and Total Cost of Ownership

Entry price is one thing. Total cost over 2 years is another. The cheapest machines often have the highest CO2 refill costs if you skip the Subscribe and Save programs. Our recommendation: factor in 4-6 cylinder refills per year at 16-20 dollars each when comparing options. Over 2 years, the difference between a 70 dollar and 250 dollar machine is much smaller than it looks.

For related kitchen and outdoor gear ideas that pair well with entertaining at home, take a look at our guide to campsite string lights which works well for outdoor party setups too.

FAQs

Is a soda maker worth buying?

Yes, a soda maker is worth buying if you drink sparkling water more than twice a week. A family of four typically saves 40-60 dollars per month compared to store-bought seltzer, which means a 100 dollar machine pays for itself in 2-3 months. Soda makers also reduce plastic waste by replacing roughly 120 single-use bottles per CO2 cylinder.

Is there anything better than SodaStream?

Yes, for specific use cases there are better options than SodaStream. The Drinkmate OmniFizz is better for anyone who wants to carbonate juice, wine, or cocktails. The Breville InFizz Fusion is better for buyers who want premium stainless steel build quality. The aarke Carbonator III is better for design-focused kitchens. For pure water carbonation, SodaStream remains the best value.

How long does a CO2 cylinder last in a soda maker?

A standard 60L CO2 cylinder makes about 60L of sparkling water, which is roughly 16 gallons. For a household of 2-4 people drinking sparkling water daily, one cylinder lasts 4-8 weeks. Heavy users may go through a cylinder in 3 weeks. Subscribe and Save programs typically bring the per-cylinder cost down to 15-18 dollars.

Which is better, SodaStream or Ninja?

SodaStream is the better choice for most buyers because of the mature Quick Connect ecosystem, cheaper CO2 refills, and broader flavor drop selection. Ninja has fewer soda maker models and a smaller accessory ecosystem. The SodaStream TERRA Bundle is our top pick for most households, while the Ninja may suit buyers who already own other Ninja appliances and want brand consistency.

Final Verdict: Which Best Soda Maker Should You Buy?

After 90 days of testing, our top pick for the best soda makers in 2026 is the SodaStream TERRA Bundle. It hits the right balance of price, performance, and ecosystem maturity. The Quick Connect CO2 swap is the easiest on the market, the value bundle includes everything a household needs, and the carbonation is consistent enough for daily use. Most families will save 40-60 dollars per month and pay back the machine in 3-4 months.

If you want versatility beyond water, the Drinkmate OmniFizz Ultimate Bundle is the only machine on this list that carbonates juice, wine, and cocktails safely. For premium kitchens, the Breville InFizz Fusion or aarke Carbonator III deliver stainless steel quality and longer warranties. Budget shoppers should grab the SodaStream Terra base model before stock runs out. The best soda makers are the ones that fit your counter, your taste, and your daily routine.

Leave the first comment